– Advertisement –
LGBT+
people facing violence, persecution and discrimination around the world will be championed by the appointment of Lord Collins of Highbury as the UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights.
The appointment comes as LGBT+ communities, human rights defenders and civil society organisations face rising hostility, less freedom to speak publicly and more severe discriminatory laws in a number of countries.
As Special Envoy, Lord Collins will strengthen UK partnerships with civil society, governments, parliamentarians, business and international organisations. He will support diplomatic and development work to protect and advance human rights and reduce violence against LGBT+ people.
FCDO Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights, Chris Elmore, said:
“Everyone should be able to live safely and freely, no matter who they are or who they love. Lord Collins’ appointment strengthens the UK’s work with civil society and international partners to defend LGBT+ rights, tackle violence and persecution, and support practical change around the world.”
Lord Collins of Highbury, UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights, said:
I am honoured to be appointed as the UK Special Envoy for LGBT+ Rights. No one should face violence, criminalisation or exclusion because of who they are or who they love.
I look forward to working with governments, parliamentarians, civil society, business and communities to defend human rights, support those at greatest risk and help ensure LGBT+ people everywhere can live safely, freely and with dignity.
Lord Collins has a strong record of championing human rights, equality and inclusion. He serves as Deputy Leader of the House of Lords and Government Spokesperson for Equalities and has previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The role will report to the FCDO Minister for Multilateral and Human Rights and will complement the UK’s wider work to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms globally.
The appointment forms part of wider government action to advance equality and protect LGBT+ people from abuse, including the draft Conversion Practices Bill and the UK’s role as host of the European IDAHOT+ Forum in London in 2027.
– Advertisement –
